#WomenGive; Celebrating Women-Centred Generosity
We asked women to reflect on their life journey and share when a woman invested in them...
We asked women to reflect on their life journey and share when a woman invested in them, and the responses have been nothing short of inspirational.
We heard from Nwegbo Ifesinachi Crystal, whose mentor's guidance was crucial in developing her drive and purpose. Then, there's the story of Peace, a passionate linguist who founded “Hey Bonjour”, transformed by the belief and support of a friend named Adaobi.
Sonayon Thomas, who turned her lens towards creating images that champion self-love, shared her sisters' emotional and financial support, which kept her dream alive.
We also learned from Jennifer Kanari, a Voice Coach and Founder of “VALK” in Kenya, whose journey from homeschooling to leadership was shaped by her mother's strength and wisdom. Emilia, a Creative Interior Designer recounted an act of kindness that changed her professional trajectory. Finally, Pamelagold of “The Smile Outreach” told us about the powerful influence of her mother and sisters on her mission-driven career.
These summaries merely scratch the surface of their incredible stories; we ask that you meet these women in the volume of this text and see what they say in their own words.
Nwegbo Ifesinachi
Executive Director of The Youth Being Initiative
Purpose is what drives me. And it helps me see a lot of ways I can contribute and bring solutions to my community and society.
The mentorship from a previous boss—who treated me like a sister—has been transformative. Her advice, encouragement, and instruction played a significant part in shaping who I am today. I believe in the power of investing in women. An empowered woman changes the game for everyone she encounters.
To every girl and woman: invest in yourself, your daughters, mentees, and colleagues. It’s an investment that will always yield positive returns.
Peace Joel
Interpreter and Translator, Giving Tuesday
I lived in a few French-speaking countries in Africa. I think that made me fall in love with different African cultures and understand that language is a powerful tool in any community. I love it when French is being taught correctly, so in Gwagwalada, together with my team, we offer French classes at a very discounted rate.
My venture into online teaching was sparked by Adaobi, who saw potential in me I hadn’t recognized. Her support was instrumental in creating “Hey Bonjour,” turning a passion into a global venture.
To Adaobi, I want to say thank you for your kind and encouraging words. The road is definitely not smooth but worth it. I believe everyone deserves a chance to grow and learn. If we really want to shine brighter, we should help others light up their candles.
When we invest in each other's growth, we all shine brighter. Thank you for lighting my path.
Sonayon Thomas
Creative and Photographer
The 2024 Sonayon, who is all about her business and growing it, is a result of the encouragement she has received along the way, especially from these extraordinary ladies in her life.
I'm a creative whose medium is photography. Until my 3rd year at Lagos State University studying Mass Communication, the goal was to be a broadcaster, specifically on radio; I enjoyed being the voice people heard. However, life sort of happened, and my direction shifted. I went from wanting to work on the radio to wanting to take pictures of people as often as I could. Over time, my creative drive has evolved into a desire to create images of people to foster self-love.
Being an entrepreneur has not been the smoothest of rides, but I have had an excellent support system in the persons of my sisters; I cannot count how many times they have had to bail me out when I hit a slump financially. As a reasonably emotional person, I have spent time crying and pouring out my grief to them and receiving from them the encouragement I need to face another day of being a business owner.
To my community and my sisters, I'd like to say thank you from the deepest, most sincere part of my heart. I can't imagine how I would have come this far without you and your support, and when I think of the journey ahead, I'm grateful to God you'd be by my side. I look forward to sharing many victories with you.
Jennifer Kanari
Speech Coach, Voiceover Acting Coach, and Founder-Administrator of The Voice Actors League of Kenya (VALK)
To every woman, I say, there is *no being on earth that is so uniquely positioned to have the irresistible ear of men, women, and children like you.
My journey began with the decision to homeschool my children, which unexpectedly led me to the world of voiceover acting and talent casting. This experience inspired me to create a voice coaching program and, eventually, VALK—a community that fosters mentorship and growth in the voiceover industry.
My mother, a pioneer in her field and my greatest mentor, instilled in me the values of self-sufficiency, love, and the pursuit of justice. She shaped my approach to teaching, giving back, and empowering others. She taught me the power of voice—not just behind the mic but in every interaction.
Read more about Jennifer’s story here
Emilia Ameh
Creative and Interior Designer
My ten-year journey from education to media and, finally, interior design has been incredibly enriching. It's been a decade of constant growth, giving back through my talents, and creating solutions that enhance lives.
A significant turning point was when a kind woman helped me during a tough time, providing me a place to stay for two years without pay. This act of kindness changed my circumstances and taught me the invaluable lesson of generosity.
Dear Funmilola, Thank you for showing me kindness. I appreciate you and pray the good Lord bless you richly.
Regardless of where you are coming from or going, please make sure to let kindness go around.
PamelaGold Hassan
Executive Director of The Smile Outreach
“Women supporting women” isn’t just a phrase; it’s an action call. I have had women support me; I always support women as much as possible, and I hope you can do the same!
I am deeply invested in making a positive impact through my work at The Smile Outreach and in the banking sector. My commitment to social impact and volunteering has been influenced significantly by the incredible women in my life, especially my mother and sisters. These remarkable women have guided, trusted, and supported me, shaping me into the leader I am today.
I’d like to say thank you to these women for being awesome! I’m grateful they took a chance on me and trusted me enough to include me in their circles and businesses.
Would you like to #GiveVoice to this cause?
We're collecting and sharing powerful stories of how women uplift each other, sparking change and growth. If this resonates with you, we'd be thrilled to have you amplify this message. Share your experience or simply spread the word to foster support for women's futures. Your voice can inspire others to join in and champion this cause.
Can you help us spread the word? Would you like to #GiveVoice to this cause as well to inspire and accelerate the investment in women's futures?
More Stories
If you got to this point, we are delighted to see that these stories have touched your heart. If you're feeling stirred and want to dive deeper, there's a whole community of incredible journeys and moments of impact waiting for you. Check out more tales of triumph and transformation that continue to fuel the fires of change and hope.
Let's keep this conversation going and widen the circle of inspiration.
